If true, this would eliminate one huge roadblock between the Mets and Bourn. The remaining roadblocks would be the length and value of the contract. According to Bowden, who has been a veritable font of knowledge today, Bourn and his camp are looking for $14-15 million per year. The Mets, at this point, are not willing to pay that much, nor are they willing to give him the five years he’s looking for. They’d love a three-year deal, but might settle for four.

The Mets rounded out their bullpen by signing veteran Brandon Lyon. Lyon is 33, and enjoyed a fine 2012 with Houston and Toronto. Combined, he appeared in 67 games, posted a 3.10 ERA, and had the highest SO/9 ratio of his eleven-year career (9.3).